A shop has been closed by the courts after it was caught selling counterfeit tobacco on six separate occasions.

Baltic Mini-Market in Oxford Road, Hartlepool, was closed following the making of a Closure Order by Teesside Magistrates Court.

The order, issued under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, means the premises will remain closed for three months following a Hartlepool Council trading standards investigation which included undercover officers being sold counterfeit tobacco on six separate occasions and further counterfeit tobacco being seized during five trading standards raids.

The investigation was launched in March 2016 following complaints of nuisance linked to the sale of counterfeit tobacco.

Over a period of ten months, undercover officers visited the premises a number of times and were able to purchase tobacco each time.

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Even when the premises were searched and counterfeit products removed, the shop was re-stocked quickly and sales continued.

Hartlepool trading standards and licensing manager Ian Harrison said: “These premises have shown a continued disregard for the law.

“As this was causing a nuisance for the local community, powers to close the premises were used on Tuesday April 11 and this was followed by a successful application to Teesside Magistrates for a three month Closure Order.

“In compliance with the legal process, we have consulted those who may be affected and are satisfied that the closure is both proportionate and necessary.

“This is also a warning to other shops that sell counterfeit goods. The courts have sent a clear message that continued illegal activity of this nature will not be tolerated and can lead to a business, or a premises, being closed down.”